Historic Sheffield Pub Wins Prestigious CAMRA Award for 2026
The Kelham Island Tavern, a beloved establishment on Russell Street in Sheffield, has been honored with the Sheffield & District Pub of the Year Award 2026 by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). This recognition highlights the pub's longstanding commitment to quality and community, building on its rich history dating back to 1830.
Award-Winning Excellence and Warm Hospitality
Owners Louise Singleton and Josh Jepson expressed their pride in maintaining high standards that resonate with both CAMRA and their loyal patrons. "It's always good, we have been crowned as the Pub of the Year a few times before," said Josh, smiling. Louise added, "It's nice to know that we are keeping to the standards CAMRA would like it to be. Our staff are a credit to us, and it's just great that we manage to keep the consistency."
Visitors are immediately greeted with a smile and a warm welcome upon entering, setting the tone for a comfortable experience. The pub boasts an impressive selection of beers, ales, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, with staff and regulars eager to offer recommendations. This attentive service, combined with a much-lauded atmosphere, ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Thriving During Sheffield Beer Week
The award coincides with Sheffield Beer Week, an annual event founded by Jules Gray in 2015 that runs from March 9 to March 15. As one of only two UK city-wide beer events lasting over a decade, it celebrates Sheffield's independent beer scene. Josh shared insights into the pub's involvement: "Jules from the Hop Hideout set it up, and it's gone from strength to strength. All the pubs involved across the city put on events. We've got three or four events going on this week."
Special offerings during the week include a 'Chocolate mild', America Eight Hop, Charred Oak-aged Stout, and a Black IPA from Blue Bee Brewery, with more to come. Over the weekend, Verdant Brewery will take over the taps, featuring four or five different kegs. Josh, who owns Blue Bee Brewery, highlighted their popular American Five Hop, among thirteen cask beers and ten keg beers available.
The Secret to Success: Beer, Staff, and Community
When asked what makes the Kelham Island Tavern special, Louise emphasized, "For us, it's the beer. Most of all it's the staff and the regulars. We have a variety that comes in, and we're very lucky that we have a wide-range of customers. What makes it so special is that the staff are knowledgeable, the beer is always good and the community is good."
Josh echoed this sentiment, noting the growing community in Kelham Island: "The community aspect of it as well. There's more people living in Kelham Island now, so we get regulars from all over Sheffield and we also get locals. Everyone intermingles and talks to each other. The staff are really good at knowing the customers' names, making everyone feel welcome."
This focus on community has helped the pub become a hub where people from all walks of life can connect, fostering friendships over a well-pulled pint. With its award-winning status and vibrant atmosphere, the Kelham Island Tavern continues to be a cornerstone of Sheffield's pub culture.
